Arsenal's 'fallback' option for Viktor Gyokeres has been revealed and fans will be relieved

Arsenal’s search for a centre forward became a talking point across world football this summer.

Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta were torn between two options in Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, with negotiations being played out publicly for several weeks.

Gyokeres signed for Arsenal in the end and fans are delighted that the Gunners have finally found a solution to a long-term problem in the side.

Arsenal won’t have to wait too long to see former target Sesko up close as he is expected to sign for Manchester United before the Premier League opener. However, there was another option up the club’s sleeve…

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Arsenal considered Nicolas Jackson if they couldn’t sign Viktor Gyokeres

The Gunners’ search for a striker had been ongoing for a long while and whilst Kai Havertz performed admirably in the false nine, as did Mikel Merino, the problem needed to be solved.

Fans will be hoping that Gyokeres can come in and hit the ground running by firing the goals needed to end the club’s trophy drought.

However, Arsenal did have a ‘fallback’ option had a deal to sign the Swede been beyond their reach – that was in the form of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

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Speaking on ‘The Transfers Podcast’, journalist Duncan Castles has claimed that Arsenal were considering a move for Jackson as a back-up option this summer.

Castles stated: “Goncalo Ramos at Paris Saint-Germain is another option that Newcastle United, I understand, have inquired about. Then you’re also looking at Nicholas Jackson.

“He had been considered as a fallback option at Arsenal and Manchester United, and is very much available from Chelsea’s perspective”

Jackson scored ten goals in the league last season and has improved drastically from his first season in English football.

The link will come as no surprise to Arsenal fans given that the Gunners have already signed two Chelsea players this summer in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke.

Kai Havertz is a better option for Arsenal than Nicolas Jackson

The signing of Jackson would not have made sense to a lot of supporters given that Havertz is a better striker than the Chelsea man.

Jamie Carragher has backed Havertz to keep his place as Arsenal’s main man up top this season despite the signing of Gyokeres.

Key statistics last season Havertz Jackson Goals per shot 0.17 0.13 Pass completion 78.4% 75.9% Aerial duels won 44.7% 36.8% Progressive passes 2.93 1.54 Kai Havertz v Nicolas Jackson last season via FBref

Havertz proved last season that he can become a complete all-round striker – one that scores goals and creates chances for his teammates.

It will be interesting to see if Arteta plays both Havertz and Gyokeres in a different system at any point this season, especially given the German’s ability to drop deep and pick up the ball.

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